Michael Jackson embraces Islam

Michael Jackson becomes Mikaeel

Michael Jackson has embraced Islam and changed his name to Mikaeel. Mikaeel is the name of one of Allah's angels. The 50-year-old star, has pledged his allegiance to the Koran in a ceremony at a friend's mansion in Los Angeles, "The Sun" reported.

Jackson sat on the floor wearing a tiny hat after an Imam was summoned to officiate - days before the singer is due to appear at London's High Court where he is being sued by an Arab Sheik, the paper said. Michael Jackson is due to give evidence on Monday in a 4.7 million pound lawsuit brought by Prince Abdulla Al-Khalif of Bahrain for defaulting on an exclusive recording contract.

The star decided to adopt the new religion while he was recording a song at the home of his friend where a Jehovah's witness was brought up to help him through the ceremony. "Jacko rejected an alternative name, Mustafa meaning "the chosen one", the source added.